President Obama may have dropped the mic, but comedian Larry Wilmore closed out his performance at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner with dropped jaws.
The Comedy Central host ended his set at the annual “nerd prom” by referring to Obama by the n-word — affectionately.
“When I was a kid I lived in a country where people couldn’t accept a black quarterback,” Wilmore began in his closing remarks. “Now think about that: A black man was thought by his mere color not good enough to lead a football team. And now to live in your time, Mr. President, when a black man can lead the entire free world.”
After that bit of earnestness, Wilmore boldly went where no White House Correspondents’ Dinner host has gone before.
“Words alone do me no justice. So Mr. President I’m going to keep it 100: Yo Barry, you did it my n-gg-,” Wilmore said, pounding his chest. “You did it.”
That final moment ignited social media, yet many observers noted that Obama didn’t seem outwardly upset by the term, putting his hand to his chest playing along and giving Wilmore a hug.
Obama himself used the slur in June while discussing racism on comedian Marc Maron’s podcast, following the massacre of nine people at a predominantly-black church in Charleston.
Here’s how some on social media reacted to Wilmore’s use of the term:
Larry Wilmore just said the N word on national TV.
— Ethan Klapper (@ethanklapper) May 1, 2016
I wish white people were as offended by police brutality and mass incarceration as they are by black people using the N-word. #WHCD
— Brandon E. Patterson (@myblackmindd) May 1, 2016
SAVE YOUR N-WORD COMMENTARY/THINKPIECES, WE DONT WANT THEM.
— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 1, 2016
Sincerely, the black community #WHCD
oh NOW white America is going to be upset about someone calling the president the n-word
— Caitlin Kelly (@caitlin__kelly) May 1, 2016
Larry Wilmore was disrespectful to President Obama and his last dinner. He was GROSS @FoxNews @CNN @MSNBC
— Brenda Real (@Kicker_Mom) May 1, 2016
Most of Larry Wilmore's jokes either weren't funny or crossed the line. Obama's speech was much better. #WHCD
— Ryan Herbert (@RyHerbs) May 1, 2016
@Deray @marclamonthill My reaction to Larry Wilmore telling Pres Obama "Ima keep it , you did it my nigga" #WHCD pic.twitter.com/yJmqxeQJ3q
— Faatimah Star (@FaahStar1) May 1, 2016
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com.
Phil Helsel
Hasani Gittens